Gaming machine with receipt generation capabilities

ABSTRACT

The invention comprises a gaming machine adapted to print receipts. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is associated with a gaming system including a player tracking or reward system. The gaming machine includes a receipt printer/generator. Game play data is stored remote from the gaming machine. In the event the player&#39;s play reaches a predetermined level or satisfies particular criteria, the player is provided an award. Information regarding the award is generated and stored remotely, and the gaming machine is caused to print a receipt which may be redeemed for the award. The award may be goods or services, such as a free dinner or additional game play. The award is separate from any winnings associated with a winning outcome of a game played on the machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is arranged to print a receipt containing operational data, such as gaming machine accounting or diagnosis information.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines, and moreparticularly, a gaming machine capable of issuing a receipt or ticket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, a variety of tasks related to the operation of agaming machine including associated systems and a variety of theservices offered to game players, are disjunctive. For example, a gamingmachine may be arranged to accept credit cards, coins or cash as apayment form from a player for entitlement to place a bet and play agame. To facilitate these functions, gaming machines may be linked to afirst network which is arranged to carry out a credit card authorizationfunction.

[0003] A gaming machine may also include a card reader for readinginformation from a player tracking card and for tracking player play andrewarding awards for play. For this purpose, gaming machines may belinked to a second, entirely different player tracking network. Thisnetwork may be arranged to monitor a player's play and award the player“comps” in the event the player's play reaches one or more predeterminedlevels, as generally reflected by points which are awarded for play. Inthe event a player receives sufficient points, the player may proceed toa player reward station and “cash in” their points for the comp, such asfree games, a free dinner or show. Generally, this requires that aplayer take their player tracking card to the reward booth after theyhave stopped playing a gaming machine, provide their player trackingcard as identification, and then be awarded

[0004] The machine may also be provided with a jack into which may beplugged diagnostic equipment for receiving information from a gamingcontroller of the machine. In order to receive information regarding theoperation of the gaming machine, however, a technician must travel tothe machine with the necessary diagnostic equipment. Diagnosisinformation maybe viewed on a screen of the diagnostic equipment.

[0005] It is desirable to reduce the complexity of the gaming machine,as such both reduces its cost of manufacture and cost of operation. Atthe same time, it is desirable to make the gaming machine moreversatile, offering the player a greater number of services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention comprises a gaming machine arranged toprint receipts, and methods for generating and redeeming the receipts.

[0007] In one embodiment, the gaming machine is associated with a gamingsystem including a player tracking system. The gaming machine includes areceipt printer/generator. Game play data is stored remote from thegaming machine. In the event the player's play reaches a predeterminedlevel, the player is provided an award. Information regarding the awardis generated and stored remotely, and the gaming machine is caused toprint a receipt which may be redeemed for the award. The award may begoods or services, such as a free dinner or additional game play. In oneembodiment, the award is separate from any winnings associated with awinning outcome of a game played on the machine.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine isarranged to print a receipt containing operational data, such as gamingmachine accounting or diagnosis information. The gaming machine includesa controller. A diagnosis instruction is provided to the controller,such as remotely over a communication link. In response to theinstruction, the gaming machine performs a diagnosis and prints areceipt including diagnosis information. This information may comprise awide range of data, such as meter amounts, coin hopper fill status andthe like.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine isarranged to print a receipt containing information unrelated to gameplay. The gaming machine may be associated with an information host,such as a hotel reservation/information system. The gaming machine maybe arranged to print a receipt including guest hotel charge or check-outinformation, hotel and restaurant rates, menus, show times and costs,and a wide range of other information.

[0010] Further objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention over the prior art will become apparent from the detaileddescription of the drawings which follows, when considered with theattached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine adapted to print a receipt inaccordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 illustrates a gaming network including a plurality ofgaming machines in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3(a) illustrates a “value” type receipt which may beissued/generated with a gaming machine in accordance with the inventionand be accepted by a gaming machine as value for bets; and

[0014]FIG. 3(b) illustrates a “comp” type receipt which may beissued/generated with a gaming machine in accordance with the inventionand redeemed for an award or prize.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention is a gaming machine arranged to generate receipts,a gaming system including one or more of the gaming machines, and one ormore methods of generating and redeeming receipts. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough description of the present invention. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known features have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the invention.

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine or device 20 in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. In general, the gaming machine 20is adapted to present at least one game for play to a player. Asillustrated, the gaming machine 20 includes a housing 22 which supportsand/or houses the various components of the gaming machine 20. In theembodiment illustrated, the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present agame of “slots,” and includes three rotating reels 24 a, b, c. A handle26 or spin button 28 may be used to effectuate rotation of the reels 24a, b, c.

[0017] In this well known game, a player may be declared the winner ofthe game and be awarded an award if the result of the rotation of thereels 24 a, b, c is a predetermined combination of symbols. It should beunderstood that the gaming machine 20 maybe adapted to present one ormore of a wide variety of games. Depending upon the game presented, theconfiguration of the machine may vary. For example, in the event thegaming machine 20 is adapted to present the game of video poker, thenthe gaming machine 20 may include a video display.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine20 is adapted to present a wager-type game. In this arrangement, aplayer is required to place a bet or wager in order to participate inthe game. In the event the outcome of the game is a winning outcome,then the player may be provided with an award. In one arrangement, theaward may be winnings in proportion to the amount wagered or bet by theplayer. The winnings may comprise coins or paper currency, or creditredeemable for coins, paper currency or prizes.

[0019] In order to accept a wager, the gaming machine 20 may include acoin acceptor 30 for accepting coins. The gaming machine 20 may alsoinclude a bill acceptor or validator 32 for accepting paper currency.The gaming machine 20 maybe provided with other means for accepting orverifying value, such as a credit card reader.

[0020] Preferably, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, the gaming machine 20 includes at least one means forgenerating a receipt. In one embodiment, this means comprises a receiptprinter 34. The receipt printer 34 may comprise a variety of now knownor later-developed devices. In general, the receipt printer 34 comprisesa device for generating a receipt having information associatedtherewith. In one embodiment, the receipt is generated by printing, suchas with ink, information onto an element. It is contemplated, however,that the information need not be printed, but may be generated andassociated with the receipt in other manners. For example, electronicdata may be generated and then “written” to a magnetic stripe of thereceipt.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the receipt is constructed from paperor a similar material. The receipt may comprise a wide variety of otherelements or members, however, such as cards or the like. While the term“receipt” is used herein, it will be appreciated that these elements maybe referred to as vouchers, tickets or the like.

[0022] Though not illustrated in detail, the gaming machine 20 includesappropriate elements for generating the receipts. As illustrated, thegaming machine 20 includes a printing device 34. The gaming machine 20may also includes a receipt storage device for storing blank orunprinted receipts. In one or more embodiments, a controller is providedfor controlling the operation of the printing device 34. As is wellknown, the gaming machine 20 may include a master gaming controller (notillustrated) for controlling the operation of many of the peripheraldevices of the gaming machine 20, such as lights, input buttons, coinand bill acceptors and the like. The gaming controller may include a buswith which a printer controller is associated. In this manner, thegaming controller may provide instructions, such as print instructions,to the printer for printing receipts.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the gaming controller of the gamingmachine 20 is associated with other devices, such as through a wired orwireless network, which will be described in more detail below. FIG. 2illustrates one particular environment/application of the method andapparatus of the invention. As described in more detail below, thispreferred environment/application comprises a gaming system 40. Themethod and apparatus of the present invention may be applied to a numberof different environments, including but not limited to food service,entertainment shows, promotional game play, or generally to events oractivities where receipts may be issued and redeemed or used.

[0024] In general, the system 40 includes at least one gaming machine20. As illustrated, in a preferred embodiment, the system 40 includes aplurality of gaming machines 20. Each gaming machine 20 is arranged topresent one or more games to a player. The game presented at eachmachine may be the same or different.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machines 20 are associatedwith a player tracking or reward system host 44. One or more appropriatecommunications links, whether wired or wireless, permit information tobe transferred to and from each gaming machine 20 and the playertracking host 44. The player tracking host 44 may comprise a singlecomputer or a group of computers associated with one another via one ormore communication links forming a network.

[0026] In one embodiment, the player tracking host 44 is associated witha player tracking/reward or “comp” function. The player tracking host 44may thus be adapted to aggregate game play data regarding the playersplaying the gaming machines 20. This data may include information suchas the length of time of game play, amounts bet, amounts awarded, and awide variety of other information. The player tracking host 44 may alsostore information regarding receipts which are issued for “comps,” asdescribed in more detail below. In general, each gaming machine 20 isadapted to transmit the player tracking data over the communicationslink(s) to the player tracking host 44.

[0027] In one embodiment, the player tracking host 44 includes at leastone data storage element for storing the player information. The datastorage element may comprise a hard drive, RAM, tape drive, CD or othermemory or data storage member or element. The player tracking host 44also includes necessary communications equipment, such as network cardsor the like for receiving and sending information.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machines 20 are alsoassociated with a payment host 45. The payment host 45 may be similar tothe player tracking host 44, and comprise a computer or group ofcomputers and include memory or other data storage devices. In oneembodiment, the payment host 45 is adapted to store informationregarding payment information and receipt or ticket information when areceipt or ticket has associated value.

[0029] The gaming system 40 may include a wide variety of other hosts orbe associated with other networks, such as a security monitoring networkor the like. As illustrated, in one or more embodiments, a variety ofsub-systems or devices are associated with the gaming system 40. In oneembodiment, a soft count system 46 is associated with the gaming system40. The soft count system 46 is for use in a soft count process ofreconciling the amounts received and paid by the gaming machines 20 withbills or receipts which have been accepted by the gaming machine 20 andremoved therefrom.

[0030] One or more receipt validation mechanisms 50, wireless receiptterminals 52 and cashier cage systems 54 may be associated with thegaming system 40. The manner by which information from these mechanisms,terminals and systems is transmitted to and from other mechanisms,terminals and systems may vary. For example, as illustrated, thewireless receipt terminals 52 may comprise handheld devices adapted totransmit and receive information from the payment host 45 via a wirelesscommunications link. The other systems, including the soft count system46, receipt validation mechanisms 50 and cashier cage systems 54 areillustrated as being hard wired to the player tracking host 44 andpayment host 45.

[0031] The receipt validation mechanisms 50, wireless receipt terminals52 and cashier cage systems 54 may be arranged to include a variety ofapparatus, including both hardware and software, for performing avariety of functions. In one or more embodiments, these mechanisms,terminals and systems may include receipt generation/printing devicesand receipt scanning or reading devices. In this manner gaming personnelmay issue receipts to players and players may cash-in receipts afterplay at a variety of locations.

[0032] The receipts which are generated/printed by the gaming machines20 (and optionally by other devices such as the receipt validationmechanisms 50, wireless receipt terminals 52 and cashier cage systems54) may have a variety of information associated therewith and may beused for a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the receipts may berepresentative of value. As an example, in the event the player isdeclared a winner of a game played on a gaming machine 20, the playermay be paid an award. As noted above, the award may be in the form ofcoins. In one embodiment of the invention, however, the award maybeassociated with or represented by a receipt. For example, in the eventthe player wins 100 dollars and the player wishes to discontinue playingthe gaming machine 20, the gaming machine 20 may print a receiptrepresenting this winning amount. As detailed below, data regarding theticket and the winning amount is preferably transmitted to the paymentcentral host 45. Such a receipt may be referred to as a “value” receipt.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the gaming machine 20 may be arrangedto accept such a (value) receipt, thus forming a basis by which theplayer may provide credit to play the game. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the gaming machine 20 includes a validating mechanism 32 and a storagedevice for the bill monies and receipts. The validating mechanism isarranged to verify the authenticity of the bill money or a receipt whichis supplied by the player, thus establishing the right of the player toplay the game. For example, the validating mechanism is arranged toreject a counterfeit paper item which a player attempts to pass as atreasury bill. The operation of these mechanisms are well known.Additional details regarding the validation of a value type receipt aredisclosed below.

[0034] Receipts of different types or for different purposes may have avariety of different forms. Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated areceipt 60 which may be representative of cash value or currency. In oneor more embodiments, the information associated with the receipt 60includes machine readable information. As illustrated, this informationcomprises a UPC type bar-code 62. In one or more embodiments, thebar-code 62 may represent encoded information such as the value of thereceipt 62 and other information. In a preferred embodiment, the barcode 62 represents the validation code or other unique identifier 64.Information such as the value 66 of the receipt 60 is obtainableutilizing the validation code or number 64 this information capable ofbeing located or stored remote from the receipt 60 itself, as describedin detail below. The receipt 60 may include other information, such as adate of issuance 68.

[0035] As noted above, the receipt 60 may have a variety of forms. Forexample, the bar coding may be accomplished with different colors ofmaterial comprising the receipt 60, such as by exposing thermoplastic tohigh heat or the like to generate the spaced bars. The magnetic stripesor chips or similar information storage elements may be associated withthe receipt 60 for use in storing the information. Information may becoded in the form of punch holes or other patterns of material or voidsof material.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the gaming machine 20is preferably adapted to generate or print receipts of other types orassociated with functions/purposes other than for use in replacement ofcurrency or value as described above. In one or more embodiments, thegaming machine 20 is arranged to print receipts which represent “comps,”gratuities or other awards. It is common for frequent players to berewarded for their play. In an embodiment of the invention, a player'splay is rewarded with a receipt which may be redeemed for a prize oraward. For example, the receipt may be redeemable for a free dinner at arestaurant, a free night or nights stay in a hotel room, airline miles,travel, luggage or a wide range of other goods or services. Receipts mayalso be awarded or issued which simply provide information, such ashotel room charges, hotel room check-out information or receipts, showor restaurant times, restaurant menus and prices, and a wide range ofother information.

[0037] Such “comp” or award receipts may be generated in a number ofmanners. In one embodiment, a player's play of any gaming machineassociated with the gaming system 40 is tracked. Data regarding theplayer's play is stored at the player tracking host 44. The playertracking host 44 is also preferably arranged to monitor the play datasuch that, if the player reaches predetermined levels of play or othercriteria of play exist, the player is awarded a “comp.” In anotherembodiment, the play of a particular gaming machine 20 may trigger a“comp” award. As is known, the tracking of the play of a particularplayer may be initiated by the player identifying themselves, such as byswiping a magnetic stripe of a player tracking/identification cardthrough a card reader associated with the gaming machine 20.

[0038] The criteria for awarding a “comp” or “complimentary” reward mayvary. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the player is rewardeda comp based upon criteria independent of the direct outcome of a gameplayed at the gaming machine. hi this regard, the award may be referredto as a bonus, as the award is above and beyond any award provided tothe player based in the above outcome of a players game, and does notrequire further or additional consideration (such as an additional bet)by the player. As noted, the comp may be awarded based upon frequency ortime of play, actual losses, theoretical win or a wide variety ofcriteria other than the direct win or loss of a game.

[0039] A “comp” receipt 160 may also be awarded to a player at thediscretion of the game operator or casino. For example, regardless ofthe length of time a player has been playing, the operator may instructthe machine 20 to issue a receipt for a prize or award. The operator mayalso cause receipts representing awards independent of game play to beissued at several gaming machines, such as a promotion.

[0040] Once a player is entitled to a “comp,” the player tracking host44 is adapted to send a signal to the gaming machine 20 to cause thegaming machine to issue a “comp” receipt. In one embodiment, the playermay be provided with an opportunity to select the “comp” or award whichis given. For example, for reaching a predetermined level of play, aplayer may be permitted to select one prize from a list of prizes. Thislist may be transmitted from the player tracking host 44 for display bythe gaming machine 20 to the player. The player may then input theirselection. The gaming machine 20 is then arranged to print the receiptrepresentative of the “comp.” Information regarding the comp which hasbeen awarded is stored at the player tracking host 44 and printed on thereceipt.

[0041]FIG. 3(b) illustrates an embodiment of a “comp” or award receipt160 in accordance with the invention. As illustrated, the receipt 160includes text indicating that the receipt 160 has been awarded as aresult of the player's play. The nature of the comp is indicated, suchas the fact that the receipt represents a free dinner award. A receiptidentifier 164 is printed on the receipt 160. In addition, an issue date166 and expiration date 168 are printed on the receipt. The “comp” typeof receipt 160 may have other forms than that illustrated. For example,the receipt 160 may be similar to the receipt 60 illustrated in FIG. 3(a), and include a readable bar code.

[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, a gaming machine 20 isadapted to print a receipt which includes game accounting, security ordiagnosis information. In one embodiment, a technician may open themachine 20 and cause the gaming controller to perform a diagnosticfunction (such are by simply pressing a button or providing otherinput). The gaming controller is then arranged to print out the resultsof the diagnostic on a receipt with the receipt printer 34. It will beappreciated that the variety of information which may be printed dependssubstantially upon the nature of the diagnostic which is performed. Suchdiagnostic functions are well known, and may be programmed into thegaming controller. It will also be appreciated that the manner by whichthe diagnostic is initiated may vary. For example, in one embodiment, asimple key switch may be located on the exterior of the gaming machine20. When the technician turns the key switch with the appropriate key,the controller may be caused to perform a diagnosis and print theresults.

[0043] In accordance with the present invention, the receipt printer 34of the gaming machine 20 may be adapted to print a wide range of otherinformation. For example, a gaming representative may cause the gamingmachine 20 to print audit information, such as information relating tothe amounts bet and awarded as a result of play of the machine 20. Anaudit receipt may be printed as needed or automatically at intervals.The audit receipt may include information such as, but not limited to,coins paid in and coins paid out, currency in, and the time that a cashbox was removed. The gaming machine 20 may be adapted to print a receipthaving information regarding a wide variety of functions, such as a coinhopper fill status, meter/counter data and the like.

[0044] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine20 may be instructed to print a receipt (such as a diagnosis or auditreceipt) from a remote location. For example, a gaming representativemay send a diagnosis signal to the gaming machine 20 via a network link.In one embodiment, a gaming representative may use a wireless controldevice, such as one of the hand-held units 52, to send a command tocause the gaming machine 20 to print a receipt with desired information.

[0045] Regardless of the receipt's type, a variety of limitations may beimposed on the use of a receipt. For example, as illustrated in FIG.3(b), a receipt may be deemed to expire after a certain period of timeif not used. Preferably, the expiration data is stored at the playertracking host 44 such that if a person attempts to redeem the receipt(as described below) after its expiration period, that receipt isrejected. A receipt may also be redeemable at one or more specificlocations or at specific times.

[0046] As detailed below, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention, there are provided methods and devices for validating areceipt. As used herein, the terms validation or entitlement generallymean establishing the right of player to use the receipt, such as toredeem the receipt for an award or “comp,” or to use the valueassociated with the receipt, as in placing wagers or bets. Thus, oneaspect of the invention is validating a “value” type receipt 60 toestablish a player's right to use the value associated with the receipt.Similarly, one aspect of the invention is the validating of a “comp”type receipt 160 to establish the right of a player to the award or compassociated therewith.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, a receipt 60, 160 may be redeemed forvalue in coins or currency or a specific award or prize. If the receipthas little associated value or is associated with a minimal award, thenthe receipt may be redeemed after simple inspection by a gamingrepresentative or other authorized personnel. For example, if thereceipt entitles a person to a free dinner, the hostess at therestaurant may visually inspect the receipt to determine that it isstill valid and is to be redeemed for a free dinner at that particularrestaurant.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, validation of a receipt 60, 160 mayinclude confirmation that the party redeeming it is the rightful owner.For example, in the case of a “comp” receipt 160, the receipt 160 mayinclude a player tracking number or other identifier printed thereon (orstored at the player tracking host 44). At the time of redemption, theplayer may be required to provide identification verifying that they arethe same party that was issued the receipt 160.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the receipt 60, 160 is verified usingdata stored at the appropriate database, such as at the tracking host 44or the player host 45. As stated above, when a receipt 60, 160 isgenerated, a corresponding data file or other record is also generated.In one embodiment, the receipt 60, 160 record is stored in one or morelocations, such as the player tracking host 44 or payment host 45.

[0050] Preferably, when a receipt 60, 160 is redeemed, the authenticityof the receipt 60, 160 is confirmed, and the status of the receipt 60,160 and related information is updated. A receipt 60, 160 may bepresented or redeemed in a variety of manners. As noted above, a playerhaving a value receipt 60 may travel to a gaming machine 20 which isarranged to accept receipts and utilize the receipt to provide thenecessary credit to entitle the player to play the game. In one or moreembodiments, the player is not limited to presenting a receipt 60 to thesame gaming machine 20 which issued it, but may present it to any gamingmachine 20 associated with the system 40. A player may also be permittedto redeem a value receipt 60 at remote location, such as a receiptvalidation mechanism 50, cashier station 54 or other location. Such astation may be located at a cashier cage, or a moving cart or otherlocations.

[0051] A player may be permitted to redeem an award or “comp” receipt160 at a variety of locations. One location may be the specific locationproviding the good or service which the receipt represents. For example,if the receipt 160 is for a dinner or show, then the player may redeemthe receipt at the dinner or show, just as if the player had cash or aticket. In another embodiment, the player may be required to redeem thereceipt 160 at one or more specified locations, such as a centralstation. For example, a player may be required to redeem their receipt160 for a free show at the ticket or box office for the show forexchange of the receipt for an actual ticket to the show.

[0052] Regardless, in one embodiment, the receipt 60, 160 is validatedusing a validating mechanism. The validating mechanism is arranged toverify the authenticity of the receipt 60, 160 which is supplied.

[0053] In one embodiment, the gaming machine 20 includes a validatingmechanism (such as reader 32) for reading the bar code 62 and sendingthe validation code 64 or other identifying information for a valuereceipt 60 represented by the bar code 62 to the payment host 45. Thepayment host 45 may then confirm whether the voucher 24 is valid and thevalue which it represents. If the payment host 45 indicates that thereceipt 60 is valid, then the gaming machine 20 is arranged to creditthe player the value of that receipt 60. Further, a transaction recordassociated with the gaming machine 20 is updated, which record makes itpossible to determine the total value of all bill monies and receipts 60accepted by that particular gaming machine.

[0054] As provided above, the payment host 45 may verify theauthenticity or validity of a particular receipt 60 by comparison to avoucher record. In one or more embodiments, the verification includesmatching the code 64 read from the receipt 60 against the records todetermine that a receipt 60 having the particular code was authorizedand issued. Next, the verification includes determining that the receipt60 is indicated as outstanding and not already paid. The verificationmay also include confirming the value of the receipt 60.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, once the receipt 60 is accepted,verified and its value credited, the receipt record is updated. In oneembodiment, the voucher record may be updated to reflect that thereceipt 60 has been paid and is no longer outstanding. In this manner,if the receipt 60 is thereafter stolen and re-presented, during theverification step the receipt 60 will be identified as previouslypresented and will not be paid again. In this method, the step ofupdating may comprise the writing or rewriting of the voucher recordstored at the payment host 45.

[0056] In one embodiment, when a player attempts to redeem a “comp”receipt 160, information associated with the receipt 160 is preferablyverified with the stored receipt data. In one embodiment, a receiptreader is located at each redemption point. For example, a receiptredemption station 50 maybe located at each restaurant, ticket office,or other prize redemption location. In the preferred embodiment,information associated with the receipt 160 is inputted, such as by keyinput of the code 164, or by optical reading the information or thelike. This information is then transmitted to the player host 44 forconfirmation/comparison. If the receipt 160 is valid, an instruction isreturned to the station that the redemption is allowable. If the receipt160 is invalid, such as if it is expired or is counterfeit, then such anindication is provided. If the receipt 160 is redeemed, then the dataregarding that receipt is preferably updated, such as by indicating thatthe receipt 160 has been redeemed and is no longer valid.

[0057] The methods and devices of the present invention have numerousadvantages. First, a gaming machine 20 is adapted to generate, such asby configuring data and printing, a receipt. This receipt may berepresentative of a value or award, be used for direct redemption of agood or service, provide general information, such as diagnostic oraccounting data, or otherwise be used for a wide variety of purposes. Inthis manner, the gaming machine 20 is capable of carrying out aplurality of functions which were previously not permitted.

[0058] As one aspect of the invention, a player may be awarded a “comp”directly by a gaming machine while playing the gaming machine. Theplayer is no longer always required to travel to a remote player rewardstation to determine if they are entitled to a “comp” and be providedthat comp. For example, a player may be rewarded a free dinner for theirplay. A receipt may be immediately issued to the player when the comp isachieved, and the player may then travel directly to the restaurant toobtain their reward.

[0059] As another aspect of the invention, gaming machine diagnostic,accounting and similar information may be obtained from a receiptprinted by the gaming machine. This avoids the need for additionaldiagnostic equipment and the like. A technician or gaming representativemay simply instruct the gaming machine 20 to provide the requestedinformation which is then printed on the spot. A technician or gamingrepresentative may travel from adjacent gaming machine to gaming machineand quickly obtain information for a variety of purposes, includingcomparison to other machines.

[0060] As another aspect of the invention, the gaming machine is adaptedto print an information receipt providing information to the player/userof the gaming machine. In one or more embodiments, other servers orcomputers may be in communication with the gaming machine. These serversmay provide data representing a wide variety of information, such asrestaurant menu information, show times and rates and the like. In oneembodiment, the gaming machine may be arranged to be in communicationwith a hotel reservation/accounting system permitting a player/user ofthe gaming machine to check out or obtain information such as roomcharge information.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the gaming machine may be adapted todisplay and print menu information to a player. The player may use themenu to select particular information or activities to be associatedwith the receipt. For example, the gaming machine may include a “menu”button causing a menu to be displayed. The menu may include “access roomaccount” as a selection which the player/user may select in order toobtain their room charge information, which information is then printedout and dispensed to the player.

[0062] In accordance with the invention, a variety of methods areprovided for verifying information, such as for the redemption of areceipt. The receipt may be verified with receipt data stored at aremote location.

[0063] It will be understood that the above described arrangements ofapparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative ofapplications of the principles of this invention and many otherembodiments and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of issuing a receipt redeemable for an award to aplayer of a gaming machine associated with a gaming system including oneor more gaming machines comprising the steps of: generating dataregarding a player's activity associated with the play of said one ormore gaming machines; determining if said player is entitled to an awardbased upon the player's play activity data independent of the directoutcome of a specific game or games; and generating said receipt at saidgaming machine for redemption by said player for said award.
 2. Themethod in accordance with claim 1 including the step of transmittingsaid play activity data to a remote device.
 3. The method in accordancewith claim 2 wherein said determining step comprises comparing saidtransmitted play activity data to predetermined criteria for awarding anaward.
 4. The method in accordance with claim 1 including the step oftransmitting data regarding a receipt to be printed from a remote deviceto said gaming machine.
 5. The method in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid generating step comprises the printing of said receipt and issuanceof said receipt to said player.
 6. A method of generating a receipt by agaming machine having a controller and a receipt printer comprising thesteps of: inputting an instruction to said controller to generate areceipt; generating data regarding the operational characteristics ofsaid gaming machine in accordance with said instruction; and generatinga receipt having data associated therewith regarding said operationalcharacteristics of said gaming machine.
 7. The method in accordance withclaim 6 wherein said generated data comprises operational diagnosisinformation.
 8. The method in accordance with claim 6 wherein saidgenerated data comprises accounting information.
 9. The method inaccordance with claim 6 wherein said generated step comprises printingsaid receipt and issuing said receipt.
 10. A gaming system comprising:at least one gaming machine adapted to accept credit from a player,present a game for play by a player, and pay a winning in the event awinning event is achieved by play of the game; at least one host withwhich said at least one gaming machine is associated, said at least onehost arranged to receive information regarding player play from said atleast one gaming machine, to determine if an award should be issued forplay by said player independent of whether the outcome of play of saidgame is a winning outcome, said at least one host arranged to transmitaward information to said gaming machine; and a receipt generatorlocated at said gaming machine for issuing a receipt associated withsaid award in response to reward information being transmitted to saidgaming machine from said at least one host.
 11. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 10 wherein said information regarding said playerplay comprises information regarding amounts bet by said player.
 12. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said informationcomprises information regarding the identity of said player.
 13. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said receipt isredeemable for a prize.
 14. The gaming system in accordance with claim10 including a wireless communication link between said gaming machineand said at least one host.
 15. A method of utilizing a receipt in agaming system comprising: providing at least one gaming machine, saidgaming machine arranged to present at least one game for play by aplayer and print a receipt associated with an award based upon theplayer's play of one or more gaming machines associated with said gamingsystem; awarding a reward if said player receives a winning outcome;generating game play data associated with the player's play of said oneor more gaming machines associated with said gaming system; transmittingsaid game play data to a remote device associated with said gamingsystem; determining if said player is entitled to a bonus award basedupon said game play data; transmitting bonus award information to agaming machine played by said player; issuing a receipt representativeof said bonus award from said gaming machine; accepting said receipt ata location remote from said gaming machine; and providing said bonusaward in redemption of said receipt.
 16. The method in accordance withclaim 15 including at least one receipt validation station associatedwith said system and wherein said accepting step comprises acceptingsaid receipt at said receipt validation station.
 17. The method inaccordance with claim 15 including the step of transmitting informationregarding said receipt from said receipt validation station to saidremote device for validating said receipt.
 18. The method in accordancewith claim 15 including the step of generating receipt informationassociated with a bonus award at said remote device.
 19. A method ofpresenting game comprising: accepting a wager from the player;presenting a game to the player; awarding said player a first award ifsaid player receives a winning outcome playing said game; generating abonus award information at remote location; transmitting said bonusaward information to said gaming machine; and issuing a receipt fromsaid gaming machine redeemable from said award. cm
 20. The method is inaccordance with claim 19 wherein said bonus award is non-monetary.